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How do I restore PowerPoint to default tools.

Anonymous
2025-04-11T13:46:02+00:00

I customized the quick access toolbar and now some tools are missing from the ribbon. I cannot find the "Format Shape", for example and have to access it in a different way.

Microsoft 365 and Office | PowerPoint | For business | MacOS

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 434.8K Reputation points
    2025-04-11T15:31:41+00:00

    Hopefully you haven't yet followed Oscar's suggestion. A complete reset of the Ribbon or QAT may not be necessary. Doing so may be a waste of time. Customizing the QAT should have no effect on the Ribbon. There must be more to the matter than what you've described.

    For example, there is no Format Shape tool to be found — neither for the Ribbon nor for the QAT. There is a Shape Format tab but it is contextual & appears only when an appropriate object is selected. Go to PowerPoint> Preferences> Ribbon & Toolbar - Ribbon then select All Tabs & scroll down to the Drawing Tools group you will see it listed. Note that it cannot be removed by the provisions offered in the UI.

    If the Shape Format tab isn't visible when you select a Shape it may simply be that the document window isn't wide enough to display all active tabs. If there is a >> symbol following the last displayed tab name click it to expand a list of other active tabs or widen the window.

    If this info doesn't help please provide a more detailed explanation of the issue supported with screen shots. Also, indicate the present Version Numbers of both Office & macOS in your reply.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-04-11T15:04:16+00:00

    Thank you Oscar,
    I had found this solution online, however the problem is that I am on a Mac, and there is no reset button next to "customize the ribbon and toolbar". It seems that Powerpoint for Mac lacks many things that are included for PC. :-(

    Please let me know if there is any other way I can do this, short of getting IT to reinstall.

    Thanks!
    Claudia

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-04-11T14:49:21+00:00

    Hello, Claudia.

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    To restore PowerPoint to its default settings, including the quick access toolbar and missing tools in the ribbon, you can reset the ribbon customization. Here's how you can do it:

    1. Open PowerPoint on your Mac.
    2. Go to the top menu bar and click on "PowerPoint" next to the Apple logo.
    3. Select "Preferences" from the dropdown menu.
    4. In the Preferences window, click on "Ribbon & Toolbar."
    5. Click on the "Reset" button next to "Customize the Ribbon and toolbar."
    6. Confirm the action by clicking on "Reset" in the pop-up window.

    This will reset the ribbon and toolbar customization to the default settings, including restoring missing tools like "Format Shape" to the ribbon. Also, on this site you'll find further info regarding this feature customizations: Customize the ribbon in Office - Microsoft Support.

    Best regards,

    Oscar Calvo 

    Microsoft Community Support 

    Support Hours: Monday to Friday 7:30–17:30 EST (Except US Public Holidays) 

    Estimated Response Time: Within 1 Business day.

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